Sony ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone System

The wireless mic for creators shooting with Sony
The ECM-W5 is a wireless microphone capable of High-Resolution Audio recording, with excellent compatibility for video production with Sony cameras and suited to many types of video production. The professional-grade 32bit float recording11 and other high-quality audio capture features, plus stable connectivity up to 500 m (line of sight),12 let you record stress-free, without concern about making mistakes. It also connects directly to smartphones and PCs for easy, high-quality recording, making it an evolved all-in-one wireless microphone package.

Clear, high-quality recording with efficient setup
Everything needed is included in the all-in-one package: two microphone/transmitters (TX), one receiver (RX), charging case, and more. Opening the case automatically powers on the receiver to standby. Simply remove the receiver and microphones from the case, they are both powered on and ready to use. Connect cable-free to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe™ on a compatible camera11 to record up to four channels of professional-grade digital audio wirelessly in-camera at sampling rates up to 96 kHz/24bit or 48 kHz/32bit float13.

Video and 32bit float audio. One workflow
As a genuine Sony accessory, the ECM-W5 achieves simply reliable digital audio capture. Audio recorded in 32bit float is transmitted wirelessly to a compatible Sony camera11 and recorded directly as an audio track within the video file. There’s no need to record and manage audio as a separate file or perform sync work after shooting, providing an efficient workflow in which video and audio are handled together in editing.

32bit float recording for worry-free audio recording
Capture great sound on set without needing to worry about recording levels, thanks to the freedom that 32bit float recording11 provides. You’re freed from constantly chasing quiet voices or sudden loud sounds with gain control adjustments during recording, and can bring out the full detail and nuance naturally at the editing stage.

Backup recording to safeguard every audio source
Supports onboard recording to the microphone’s built-in storage and simultaneous WAV file recording in-camera on compatible models.14 A 32bit float audio source can be kept separately from the video file, providing peace of mind against risks such as wireless issues. Audio-only editing is also supported, giving you greater flexibility in post-production.

Convenient monitoring with Sony’s wireless headphones
Connect your Bluetooth® LE Audio-compatible wireless headphones to the receiver for cable-free monitoring. A flexible setup lets you easily check audio without interruption, helping to prevent recording errors.

External input terminal for lavalier microphones
Both the microphone and receiver have a 3.5mm mini jack (mono) external microphone input terminal, compatible with lavalier microphones such as the ECM-L1 (sold separately). Put one inconspicuously on the speaker in situations where it’s important for the microphone not to be a distraction, and record clear audio at professional quality standards.

Gain adjustment during recording
Input gain can be set to Auto, which adjusts to changes in recording volume to prevent clipping and distortion, or to Manual mode with a range of -12 to +12. Fine volume adjustments via manual settings are possible even during 32bit float recording. Noise cut and low cut can also be toggled on or off from the menu.

Stable transmission for uninterrupted shooting
Sony has achieved stable transmission quality that minimises audio dropout and keeps shooting going at distances of up to 500 m12 in line-of-sight conditions. Audio transmits stably with low latency even in crowded radio environments. To achieve long range and stability, Bluetooth® hopping technology is used with an optimised wireless design, for reliable recording in previously difficult environments.

Real-world usage scenarios

• Interviews: a separate track for each voice - Since four-channel audio output to the camera is supported, by adding up to two optional ECM-W5T microphones (sold separately) to the included units, you can record up to four speakers simultaneously in-camera, each on a separate track for easy editing of conversations and interviews. REC start/stop control on the microphone provides smooth operation.
• Events: stable connection for one-take recording - Connection stability matters in situations when there’s no chance to do a second take, such as events and on-location reports. Low-latency, dropout-resistant design delivers stable audio recording even in crowds or at a distance from the subject. Compatible LE Audio wireless headphones15 from Sony enable easier audio monitoring during shooting.
• Film production: audio recording with a small crew - Designed for professional productions shooting with a small crew. Enjoy compact audio recording without relying on boom microphones or dedicated transmission systems. A lavalier mic such as the ECM-L1 (sold separately) connected to the microphone can be placed where it’s not easily visible in the frame, recording clear audio close to the mouth.
• Content creation: worry-free audio even when shooting alone - Audio also affects content videos’ quality. When combined with a compatible camera11, there’s no need to focus on fine gain adjustments on set. Onboard recording on the microphone and WAV file storage in-camera are also supported, giving you peace of mind when editing. The four-channel output is useful when you want to record the presenter’s voice and surrounding ambient sound at the same time.
• PC and mobile: ready for recording outside of camera use - Both the microphone and receiver connect easily to smartphones, PCs, and other non-camera devices. Using the included USB Type-C® adaptor enables a cable-free connection to the receiver,16 letting you smoothly go from recording to uploading. The unit supports a variety of uses, including podcast recording on a PC and standalone voice memo recording with just the microphone.

Convenient audio recording from wireless headphones
The receiver picks up audio from the microphone on connected compatible Sony wireless headphones17 and records it in-camera. The speaker’s voice can be captured easily, making the receiver useful for vlogging, everyday video, and other situations requiring lightweight wireless audio capture. With a compatible microphone15, the system also supports binaural recording with a three-dimensional feel. In addition to the headphone wearer’s voice, you can record surrounding ambient sound with a sense of spatial depth, enabling immersive audio expression.

Streamlined workflow and reliability

• Timecode sync to streamline the editing process - The ECM-W5 now supports timecode sync. When the timecode function is turned on, a timecode signal is output to devices such as cameras connected to the receiver, and can be used to align recorded footage quickly and accurately in post-production, eliminating time-consuming sync work and streamlining the workflow.
• Multi-camera timecode sync via USB - In USB SYNC mode, a simple USB Type-C cable connection to a compatible Sony camera1819 enables sync with the timecode recorded as metadata in the camera’s video. This lets you more easily use the system as a timecode generator during multi-camera shoots.
• Export files via USB - Audio recorded internally on the microphone can be exported to a PC, either directly or from the charging case, using a USB Type-C cable.
• Ready to record straight out of the case - Opening the case automatically powers on the receiver to standby. Simply remove the receiver and microphones from the case, they are both powered on and ready to use.
• Receiver: power linked to the camera - When set up in advance, the receiver powers on automatically in sync with the camera while connected via MI Shoe. Not only the receiver but also the microphone is linked, so you can power them on from a distance.
• Microphone: discreet mounting and flexible handling - The low-key appearance and logo design work well in situations where you don’t want the microphone to be clearly visible. Use clip and magnet attachment depending on the situation, allowing flexible mounting to clothing or surfaces. The upright form factor is easy to hold, making it suitable for handheld use during event reports and live streaming.
• Microphone: high mobility for standalone use - A REC button on the microphone directly controls starting and stopping of recording to internal storage in both the mic/TX and a camera, smartphone or PC if connected, allowing the microphone to function either as a highly portable stand-alone recorder, or as the audio pickup device in a larger recording system.
• Up to 11 hours of use - The camera powers the receiver,18 eliminating concern about the battery running out during extended shoots. The microphone and receiver (when used standalone) each provide up to 7 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Including microphone charging via the charging case gives a total of up to 11 hours of use because the receiver battery does not drain when mounted on the camera.
• Microphone: 64 GB built-in storage  -Each microphone has 64 GB of built-in storage, easily handling long internal recording sessions. Recorded files can be exported to a PC from the charging case using a USB Type-C cable.
• What’s included (ECM-W5) - The kit includes: the receiver, two microphones, a charging case, magnets, wind screens, a USB adaptor, an MI adaptor and more.